Overview of meeting topic:
Universities UK proposed a package of measures to support the higher education sector in all four nations during and beyond the pandemic on 10 April. The paper highlights the significant risk that the impact and capacity of higher education could be severely damaged without mitigations and support. Without proactive action from both institutions and support from government, UUK warned that some universities would likely face financial failure, with severe impacts on their students, staff, local community and regional economy. Others would come close and be forced to reduce provision for students or to significant scale back research activities and capacity.
On the 4 May, Gavin Williamson announced a package of measures to protect students and the higher education sector from the impact of coronavirus. The measures are intended to stabilise university admissions this Autumn and to safeguard universities and students at this time of uncertainty.
Speakers for this meeting:
- Daniel Zeichner MP, Chair, All-Party Parliamentary University Group
- Michelle Donelan MP, Minister of State for Universities
A Q&A session followed a brief presentation by the speaker.
Note- This meeting was open to members of the group only